The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools and visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.

GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increased diversity equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.

GSL's research serves the nation

The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.

Public Safety

GSL’s models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.

Aviation

Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.

Energy

GSL’s weather models enable the energy industry to plan for the variable nature of wind and solar energy.

Fire Weather

Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.

Latest News

NOAA GSL's Machine Learning Tropical Cyclone Detection System

November 14, 2022

NOAA Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) scientists, in collaboration with scientists from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and NVIDIA, investigated the use of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to extract information for tropical cyclone (TC) forecasting. The goal of the collaboration was to develop the infrastructure...

NOAA’s NWS and GSL successfully rebuild experimental model on the Cloud

November 04, 2022

Computing capacity is crucial for advances in data processing in weather and climate models, but as newer model versions have increased data resolution, on-site capacity may not be sufficient. On September 21st, 2022, the NOAA National Weather Service and NOA Global Systems Laboratory development teams were able to demonstrate that...

GSL delivers the prototype Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information system to Bay Area users

October 26, 2022

Tracking raindrops from cloud to ground to river and ocean in the San Francisco Bay Area.Heavy rain events are a hazard for California’s San Francisco Bay area and can overwhelm the water and wastewater infrastructure. The Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information (AQPI) is a regional project awarded to NOAA and collaborating...

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Successful Projects

Research-to-Operations (R2O)

GSL has a history of successfully transitioning atmospheric research into advanced products and services for weather operations.

Learn more about R2O

Regional Models

We are the leader in developing and evolving regional weather models. The Rapid Refresh, High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and RAP Smoke are just a few.

Learn more about our models

Unified Forecast System

GSL is part of a major community effort to develop a coupled, comprehensive Earth modeling system.

Read how GSL supports the UFS

GSL Mission

Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.

Research Areas

Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.

GSL

Forecast systems that deliver solutions